Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 20: Governor NN Vohra today fixed February 28 as the date for holding election for the post of new Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.
The post of the Speaker had fallen vacant on January 15 this year after Mohammad Akbar Lone, who had commanded proceedings of the Assembly for nearly four years, had resigned to join the Council of Ministry where he was inducted as Minister for Higher Education.
“Under Rule 9 of the Rules of Procedures and Conduct of Business in Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Governor NN Vohra has fixed February 28 for holding the election of the Legislative Assembly Speaker”, an official handout said.
February 28 is first day of budget session of the Legislature when the Governor would address joint session of the Legislature followed by separate meetings of the Assembly and the Council.
Official sources said election of the Speaker would be held after the obituary reference.
Since the resignation of Mr Lone as the Speaker, Deputy Speaker Sartaj Madni is discharging duties of the Presiding Officer in the Assembly.
Sources said National Conference-Congress coalition Government would field NC MLA Mubarak Gul for the post of the Speaker. Mr Gul was likely to be elected unanimously to the post of the Speaker as the Opposition might not field any candidate against him.
“In the event of Opposition fielding a candidate against Mr Gul forcing the election, Mr Gul would be elected convincingly going by the majority the Alliance enjoyed in the Legislative Assembly”, sources said.
Mr Gul had on January 15 resigned as Advisor to the Chief Minister in the rank of Cabinet Minister. He had also been serving as chief whip of the National Conference. He had been elected to the Assembly for three consecutive terms in 1996, 2002 and 2008. Prior to that also, he had served both Houses of the Legislature.
Meanwhile, the post of the Deputy Chairman in Legislative Council is also falling vacant with the retirement of National Conference leader Mohammad Yusuf Taing from the Upper House on March 16.
As per the agreement between National Conference and Congress, the National Conference would hold the post of Speaker while the post of Chairman Legislative Council would go the Congress. Amrit Malhotra, veteran Congress leader is Chairman of the Council.
The post of the Deputy Chairman would go to the National Conference. Sources said election for the Deputy Chairman’s post could also be held during budget session of the Legislature. However, the National Conference was yet to decide its nominee for the post of the Deputy Chairperson.
Speaker’s election on Feb 28
3 officers transferred
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 20: Government today ordered transfers and postings of three officers with immediate effect.
According to the orders, Rajinder Krishan Varma, Special Secretary to Chief Secretary has been transferred and posted as Special Secretary, General Administration Department. Zubair Ahmad, Special Secretary, Finance Department has been transferred and posted as Special Secretary to Chief Secretary.
Tahir Mustafa Malik, Under Secretary, General Administration Department has been transferred and posted as Under Secretary, School Education Department.
20 pilgrims injured as bus turns turtle
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 20: Twenty Shri Mata Vaishnodevi pilgrims were injured, eight of them critically when a bus carrying them skidded off the road and turned turtle at Moori, 10 kilometer short of Katra town this afternoon.
The ill-fated bus bearing registration number JK02X-9947 was on its way from Jammu to holy town when it met with accident at Moori due to the negligence of driver, who along with conductor fled from the spot soon after the accident. According to the injured pilgrims, the vehicle was being driven rashly and negligently despite their objections.
On getting information about the accident, police and medical teams rushed to the spot and started rescue operation. Even Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board pressed into service its ambulances to shift the injured to the Community Health Centre (CHC) from the accident spot.
Later, eight critically injured persons were shifted to Government Medical College and Hospital for specialized treatment. Their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in.
SP Katra, Mohan Lal, who personally supervised the rescue operation, said that efforts were on to nab the absconding driver and conductor of the ill-fated vehicle.
The injured admitted in the CHC Katra have been identified as Vanketesh Kalati, son of Soropa Kalati, Nisha Singh, wife of Anil, Vijay, son of Kailash, Devi Dass, all the residents of Pune, Amit Verma, son of Shambu Nath wife of Bihar, his wife Sapna Verma, Dheeraj Kumar, son of Nawal Kishore of Bhagalpur Bihar, Omesh Dubey, son of Ram Suraj Dubey of Lucknow, Aditya Verma, son of Jagdish Verma of Lucknow, Kavita Verma, son of Jagdish Verma of Lucknow, Rahul Kumar Shah, son of N K Shah of Bhagalpur and Anil Kumar Verma, son of S N Verma of Bihar.
Those admitted in GMC have been identified as Jagdish Verma, son of Bheja Lal Verma of Lucknow, Sharda, wife of Raju Ram Verma of Lucknow, Kamaljeet Kapoor, wife of Sunny Kapoor of Delhi, Deepak Yadav, son of Ashok Yadav of Pune, Noor Mohd, son of Abhu Khan of Pune, Tanu Chowan, son of Gopal Chowan of MP, Anusha, wife of Naveen Kumar of Patna, Mahesh Lather, son of Ram Krishan Lather of Chandigarh.
Meanwhile, Governor N N Vohra, who is also the Chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board, expressed serious concern over the accident.
After discussions with the Chief Executive Officer, Navin K Choudhary, Governor directed Dr Mandeep K Bhandari, Additional Chief Executive Officer of the Shrine Board to provide all required help and support to those injured in the accident.
The Additional CEO directed the General Manager, Vaishnavi Dham, Jammu, to rush to the Government Medical College to ascertain the help and support required by the injured persons and provide the same without any delay.
IGP promotes 60 cops, SPOs
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 20: IGP Kashmir SM Sahai today ordered out of turn promotion of 20 Constables and Head Constables (HCs) and regularization of 40 Special Police Officers (SPOs) as constables.
He made the announcement of out of turn promotions for Constables and Head Constables and regularization of SPOs while speaking in a Darbar of police officers and jawans at Sopore.
The promotions and regularizations were ordered due to outstanding performance of Constables, Head Constables and SPOs.
Nalin Prabhat, IGP CRPF and Rajesh Kumar, DIG North Range were present in the Darbar.
CJM drops proceedings against Basant Rath, others
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 20: In the much publicized Ch Nagar Singh CD row, Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) S R Gandhi today dropped proceedings against the then SSP Basant Rath and other police officers.
In the complaint, it has been submitted by Ch Nagar Singh, who is facing trial in Amandeep Singh murder case, that police officers namely Basant Rath, the then SSP Jammu, Mubassir Latifi, the then SP, Abdul Rouf Lone, Kamaljeet Singh and Hardeep Singh Gill subjected the complainant to unprecedented torture, both physical and mental while he was in custody of the police.
It has also been submitted that during custodial interrogation these police officers used vulgar, intimidating, abusive and uncivilized language against him and his family besides making video film to publicly defame the complainant by transmitting the film in the internet etc.
On the directions of CJM, Special Municipal Magistrate conducted enquiry in the matter and submitted report mentioning that the CD was genuine.
After going through the contents of the enquiry report, CJM observed, “in the considered opinion of the court alleged act of the accused persons was done while acting in discharge of their official duty though it was in excess of it but there is a reasonable connection between the act and the performance of their official duty hence they are protected by Section 197 CrPC”.
“It is not in dispute that the officers were the public servants and could not be removed from their office without the sanction of the Government. Admittedly the complainant has not obtained any sanction from the Government for prosecution of the police officers as such instant complaint cannot be proceeded further”, the Court said.
“It is also disclosed in the enquiry report that alleged officer Kamaljeet Singh was not the member of the SIT. In the complaint no specific allegations have been leveled against any officer. The allegations are common and generalized against all of them”, CJM said.
While referring various judgments of the Supreme Court and High Court, the CJM observed, “the proceedings of the instant complaint are dropped as the complaint suffers from fundamental legal defect and want of sanction”
Lone announces monitoring cell for academic auditing
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 20: Minister for Higher Education, Mohammed Akbar Lone on Wednesday announced setting up of a monitoring cell at apex level for undertaking academic auditing in institutions of higher learning in the State.
Interacting with party workers, students and people of various parts of the State at the party headquarters, as continuation of the initiative taken by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in reaching out to different segments of society and addressing their problems, the Minister said focused attention is being paid towards rationalizing educational system, making it more relevant to the changing times.
“Emphasis is being laid on launching job oriented courses to enable pass out face the competitive world with much more confidence and vigour”, the Minister said, adding that impetus is being given to further enhancing academic standards and improving infrastructural facilities. He hoped that management of the varsities and colleges would gear up for meeting the challenges in the field of education.
Referring to his recent visit to Government College of Engineering and Technology in Jammu, Mr Lone said he was disturbed to see the academic sections and the administrative blocks functioning from different locations. He said instructions were issued for shifting the administrative block to the campus. He said the college management has been asked to ensure free transport facilities for the students of the college.
Urging youngsters to concentrate on their academics, the Minister said the coalition government headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will encourage enterprising youth to pursue career oriented courses within and outside the country.
He appreciated the initiative taken by the Chief Minister in holding special public hearings and said this will help bridging the gap between the leadership and the party cadre.
Speaking on the occasion, Provincial President National Conference Devender Singh Rana stressed empowering party workers at grassroots by involving them in the decision making with regard to development of their areas. People’s participation in implementing various welfare programmes and execution of schemes, he said, is essential for bringing about a positive change in governance.
Mr Rana said the mechanism conceived by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for addressing specific public needs through various forums, including public hearing at party headquarters, will go a long way in assuaging their urges and aspirations.
The Provincial President vowed to involve party workers in the process of governance, saying the party chief attaches immense importance in strengthening rank and file of National Conference.
Deputation of students from various Departments of University of Jammu viz Department of Punjabi, Electronic, Statistics, Home Science, Geography besides deputation of Jammu University Teachers Association (JUTA) led by its president Professor J.P. Singh Joorel, Jammu University Research Scholars Executive Association (JURSEA) led by its President Rakesh Chib, as also students of Degree College Akhnoor, Rajouri, Paloura, met the Minister and apprised him of their problems.
Meanwhile, B. D Bhagat, a retired IAS officer and former Chairman J&K State Services Selection Board joined National Conference in presence of Provincial President Devender Singh Rana and Minister for Higher Education Mohammed Akbar Lone besides senior party leaders.
Welcoming Mr Bhagat to the party fold, the Provincial President exuded confidence that his joining will further strengthen the party and help in serving the people with a missionary zeal.
The Minister for Higher Education hoped that Mr Bhagat will serve the people in his new role with same zeal and dedication as he did during his service career.
Work paralyzed in nationalized banks, insurance sector due to strike
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 20: The work in all nationalized banks, insurance sector and various other Central Government offices remained paralyzed in the State on the first day of two days nationwide strike, the call of which was given jointly by 11 major trade unions of the country against the anti working class and anti people policies of Central Government.
However, the normal life passed peacefully in the State and the traffic plied normally while the business establishments also remained open. But all the nationalized banks, insurance sector as well as some other Central and State Government offices remained affected due to strike. The State owned J&K Bank as well as EDB and Gramin Bank functioned normally. The other State Government offices particularly Civil Secretariat functioned normally.
However, people in the Winter Capital and other parts of the State faced hardships as ATMs of almost all the nationalized banks went dry due to closure of the banks in support of strike.
To express solidarity with their demands the State Bank of India employees and officers held a massive demonstration in front of its Administrative Office at Rail Head here this morning. In addition to officers and employees of SBI, the staff of PNB, UCO Bank and other such banks also participated in it.
Suresh Wali, Deputy General Secretary, SBI Officers Association, J&K Zone and State secretary All India Bank Officers Confederation, (AIBOC) criticized the management for its anti worker policies and for threatening the officers and other staff of the bank in participating in the strike which is their legitimate right.
The others who addressed the demonstration included Sham Lal Hans, deputy general secretary SBI Staff Association.
PNB Staff Union held a demonstration in front of PNB at Shalimar in the morning and demanded early redressal of their demands. Addressing the demonstration general secretary of the Union, Comrade Malkeet Singh criticized the anti labour and anti workmen policies of the Central Government and Finance Ministry.
Others who addressed the demonstration included Comrade Rakesh Chouhan, president, Comrade Kuldeep Gupta, assistant general secretary of the Union.
The Insurance Sector employees who also observed a total strike today in entire State held a demonstration at Panama Chowk, Divisional Office. The demonstration was addressed by Pawan Gupta, divisional secretary, S K Bhat divisional treasurer, Ramesh Chand joint secretary and vice president Rajesh Gupta.
The Postal Employees Union, which also joined the strike under the banner of JCA held a demonstration at MA Stadium here. The demonstration was addressed by Comrade B S Danu, T K Sharma, Anup Dhar, Kuldeep Raj Sharma, Bhadur Singh, Chandan Bala, Ram Krishan Bhat, Shashi Prabha, Bachan Lal Saini, Sukhdev Singh Saini, Vaid Parkash, Keshav Sharma and Madan Lal Sharma.
BSNL Employees Union also joined the strike in support of their demands and protested against Govts NTPSU and Pro-Private Policies in the name of Neo liberal economic policies.
The leaders who addressed the rallies included Mohammed Maqbool, Gurmeet Singh, Ram Kumar Sharma (PDD), Sat Pal Singh, Surinder Sharma, Ashok Kumar, Virender Gupta, Mukhtar Ahmed and others.
GNDU Amritsar outplays RTMU Nagpur in inaugural tie
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 20: GND University Amritsar defeated RTM University Nagpur in a close contest by fifteen goals to twelve (15-12) in the opening match of the All India Inter-University Korfball Championship, organized by the Department of Sports and Physical Education, University of Jammu, here today.
Walkovers dominated in other matches scheduled for the day. University of Kota got walkover against Calicut University, SG Baba Amravati got walkover from Gondwana University, Punjab University Patiala received it from CD Lal University and University of Pune got walkover from DCRUST, Murthal.
Earlier, the Minister for Medical Education and Youth Services and Sports, Taj Mohi-ud-Din declared the Championship open in an impressive, well attended and colourful function.
Speaking on the occasion, Taj said holding of such events apart from promoting sports culture in the State also send the message of peace and harmony.
Prof Mohan Paul Singh Ishar, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu also spoke on the occasion and stressed the participating teams to give their best and assured them that all necessary arrangements are in place to ensure their comfortable stay on campus .
Prominent among others present on the occasion were Prof Neelam Saraf, Dean Academic Affairs, Prof Keshav Sharma, Coordinator All Campus, Prof Manoj K Dhar, Controller of Examinations, Prof Neelu Rohmetra, Rector, Kathua Campus, Prof Deepak Raj Gupta, Director SHTM, Prof VD Singh, Director, DDE, Prof NK Tripathi, Dean Students Welfare, Prof Desh Bandhu, Director, CDC, Prof. Dhian S.Bhau, Director Sports and Physical Education, Jaikumar Sharma, Special Secretary to Vice-Chancellor and BK Magotra, former Director Physical Education.
VC SMVDU shares vision with faculty, students
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 20: After taking over the stewardship of the university, Prof Sudhir K Jain, the fourth Vice Chancellor of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, addressed the faculty and students in the Matrika auditorium in the University campus.
In his address, Prof Jain shared his vision of making SMVDU an institute of national and international repute and said that he would try his best to make his term the most productive and memorable one for all the SMVDU fraternity.
Reminiscing his stay at IIT Kanpur as a researcher in seventies, Prof Jain urged all the faculty members to have mutual respect and work with a greater sense of responsibility and commitment in view of the fact that this university has been established out of the funds of the shrine, which increases their responsibility manifold.
Registrar, Roop Avtar Kaur, all Deans, Directors and faculty members were present on the occasion.
Earlier the programme began with a warm welcome of the Vice Chancellor by Dr Vandhana Sharma, Director, School of Languages and Literature who said that SMVDU was fortunate to have a Vice Chancellor who has been associated with the university since its beginning and the one who epitomizes commitment, humility and positivity.
Retd SRTC workers’ rally towards Civil Sectt foiled
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 20: The protest rally of voluntarily retired workers and employees of J&K State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) towards Civil Secretariat was today foiled by the strong contingent of police near Dogra Chowk here today.
The VRS given SRTC workers, under the banner of All J&K SRTC Volunteer Retirement Employees Association assembled at Exhibition Ground near Press Club here in the morning and held strong protest demonstration. Dev Raj Bali, president and general secretary Surinder Singh of the association were leading the protest.
After staging protest for some time at the venue, the retired SRTC employees holding banners and placards in hands started protest march towards Civil Secretariat. They were shouting slogans in support of their demands and also against SRTC management and Transport Minister. As they moved towards Vinayak Bazar (Lower Gumat Bazar), a strong contingent of police intercepted them. The police raised barricades and did not allow them to move ahead. The cops asked them to move back to the same venue at Exhibition Ground.
The workers showed some resistance but could not move ahead in view of strong police cordon. Later, the agitating SRTC workers moved back to the original venue and started protest demonstration. Several trade union leaders addressed the gathering and criticized the management of SRTC for its failure to clear pending 126 slabs of COLA, clear pending arrears and provide benefit of 6th Pay Commission to the VRS given SRTC employees. Besides Dev Raj Bali, Balwinder Singh and Surinder Singh also addressed the workers’ gathering. The workers later dispersed after holding protest for about an hour.